The equivalency deal on organic standards agreed between the US and Switzerland is the latest in a series of bi-lateral agreements bolstering the international trade in organic commodities and fostering the development of the organic food market. Bio Suisse also welcomed the signing of the agreement with the US. Switzerland already has equivalency deals with Canada, Japan and with the EU. The international organic food market has changed significantly over recent years thanks to the signing of equivalency deals.

The US-Swiss deal sees the establishment of a mutual trading relationship in organic produce between the two countries. It provides mutual market access. Organic products certified in the US or Switzerland can now be sold as organic in either country, with effect from 10 July. Chiefly, it eliminates the need for a company to undergo two sets of inspections, paperwork and fees.

According to Bio Suisse, organic retail sales in 2013 in Switzerland rose by 12% in 2013, reaching nearly US$2bn. The largest growth areas have been organic meat, fruit, processed products and cheese. Seen from the other side of the Atlantic, easier access to the US organic market will also be a tempting proposition for Swiss organic farmers and food manufacturers. Organic food sales in the US reached US$35.9bn in 2014, up 11% from 2013 and representing an all-time high.

The first deal the US signed was with Canada in 2009. While Canada and the EU are the two largest trading partners for the US organic sector, the US has also looked to establish such arrangements with other countries, signing equivalency deals with Japan and South Korea in 2013 and 2014.
 

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